Wireless prepaid telephone system with dispensable instruments

ABSTRACT

A telecommunication system incorporates individual station instruments simplified by wireless operation, voice dialing, prepaid accounting and out-call operation, all enabled by cooperative system operation including supporting central equipment. Wireless operation of the central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with other units for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication to, regulate control, monitor and record operations of the instruments, and bridge communication with selected remote terminals through the public switched telephone network. Message capability, emergency abort to an operator station and security features supplement the basic system. Communication is controlled for the individual instruments to be either voice or dial-up signals. Voice recognition units alternatively are located in the central equipment and/or the individual station instruments and controlled accordingly. Manual control at instruments accommodates either voice or number outgoing communication.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.08/878,864 filed Jun. 19, 1997, entitled “Wireless Prepaid TelephoneSystem With Dispensable Instruments” as well as a continuation-in-partof application Ser. No. 08/955,338 filed Oct. 21, 1997, entitled“Wireless Prepaid Telephone System With Extended Capability” and acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/311,795 filed May 13,1999, entitled “Wireless Mobile Telephone System With Voice-DialingTelephone Instruments And DTMF Capability.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mobile telecommunication and morespecifically to wireless telephone systems including telephoneinstruments capable of being compact, inexpensive and simple as a resultof integral system operation of instruments in combination with enhancedcentral station equipment.

(2) Background Description

In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the developmentof wireless telephone systems. In that regard, wireless telephoneinstruments, sometimes called “mobile stations” (MS) have come intowidespread use, accommodated for example by geographically definedcells. Although the systems are quite effective, and have considerablyenhanced telephonic communication, there are areas for improvement.

Typically in wireless systems, individual telephone instrumentscommunicate at an initial level with central equipment, sometimes called“base stations” (BS). Operating with other components as a compositesystem, the geographically-separate base stations enable mobiletelephone instruments to roam through different geographic areas orcells. Thus, from various locations, mobile instruments can accessvirtually any telephone terminal throughout the entire dial-up telephonenetwork, sometimes called the “public switched telephone network”(PSTN). Furthermore, the users of mobile telephone instruments can roamfrom one cell to another in the course of a connected call.

Conventionally, a composite mobile telecommunications system includessome form of a switching system, sometimes including a unit called a“mobile switching center” (MSC). The MSC may be provided, along withother structure between the a base station (BS) and the public switchedtelephone network (PSTN). Accordingly, mobile management is accomplishedusing well known techniques and structures.

In contemporary systems, individual wireless telephone instrumentsusually are purchased by users in a transaction that is relativelycomplex. As part of the purchase transaction, the instrument isactivated and numbers are assigned, however, more significantly, afinancial commitment must be established for the new owner. Of course,the owner is responsible for the telephone instrument itself, however,responsibility also extends to the telephone service provided for theinstrument, e. g. calls charged to the instrument.

Although considerably enhancing telephonic communication and wirelessoperation, current systems also have considerably increasedcomplications and risk-of-loss to instrument owners. Under variouspromotional schemes, telephone marketing organizations sometimes haveoffered wireless instruments at a very low cost. Still, alternativecharges or commitments usually are imposed. In any event, costsresulting from lost or stolen instruments or fraudulent calls ultimatelymust be borne at some level, usually by the consumer.

As suggested above, the risk-of-loss to the owner of a wirelesstelephone instrument can far exceed the value of the instrument,itself.In one aspect, the increased risk involves the threat of a stoleninstrument being used to make extensive and costly calls. Adjustmentsmay be made in the billing for such calls, however usually, not withoutthe expense of time and aggravation to the instrument owner. Thus, therisk of physical loss presents a nagging annoyance to wirelessinstrument owners.

The risk of loosing a wireless telephone instrument is compounded by thefact that some wireless operation exposes critical information that canbe obtained without physical access to a telephone instrument. Suchinformation can be used to charge fraudulent calls to a wireless owner'saccount. Consequently, even when an instrument never leaves an ownerscontrol, the owner may be invoiced for calls fraudulently made from acloned instrument.

Essentially, with possession of certain critical broadcast information,some wireless telephone instruments can be fraudulently cloned. That is,persons with sophisticated apparatus can intercept and use criticalinformation that is broadcast during the routine use of a properinstrument to create a clone. The resulting clone then may be usedextensively, to make long distance calls that are billed to the accountof the cloned instrument. Thus, even with the exercise of great care,the owner of a wireless instrument may face substantial expense and/orinconvenience. Accordingly, a need exists for a system accommodatingfewer complications, limited responsibility and restricted potentialloss for the owner of an individual wireless telephone instrument.

In view of their significant value, and their manner of use, wirelesstelephone instruments ideally could be of a more convenient size. Thatis, although now very compact, further improvement is desirable, as forstorage and carrying. Specifically, a need exists for wireless telephoneinstruments that can be simply sold and can be carried and stored withgreater convenience, as in a pocket, a purse, a child's pack or anautomotive compartment.

In view of the various considerations as set out above, it is apparentthat a need exists for an improved, relatively less expensive wirelesstelephone system affording greater convenience and economy, flexibilityof communication format, fewer complications and restricted risk of lossfor wireless telephone instrument owners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In part, the present invention is based on the recognition that a verysimple and convenient, yet effective, wireless telephone instrument canbe accommodated, by supporting such instruments with a cooperatingcentral system. Generally, in accordance with exemplary disclosedembodiments, convenient, inexpensive, voice-actuated, prepaid, wirelesstelephone instruments may be provided, that involve limitedcomplications, along with limited risk and exposure for owners.

Essentially, in accordance with the present invention a wirelesstelephone instrument incorporates an earphone, a microphone, a radiotransceiver, a battery pack and a control unit, all embodied in a smallconvenient housing incorporating switching control and signalingstructures. The instrument can be configured as a rod or tube similar toa writing pen.

As disclosed herein, wireless telephone instruments (embodiments hereof)operate as part of a composite system in cooperation with a centralstation having a multiple-port platform. The ports of the platformaccommodate multiple wireless telephone instruments simultaneously. Indisclosed embodiments, the users of wireless telephone instruments areprompted vocally to speak control words as well as message words. Thus,initially, communication by users at wireless telephone instruments, isin the form of voice signals generated from the user's voice.

Certain voice signals (representative of spoken words) are recognized asnumbers (e. g. digits “zero” through “nine”) by a voice recognition unitand may be converted to a digital form (e.g. DTMF) for control, dial-upfunctions and communication. Words for speech recognition also may beassigned to the “star” or “asterisk” (*) and the “pound” sign (#)signals. In the disclosed embodiment, the central station system alsoincludes a voice generator, e. g. an audio response unit (ARU), toprompt or cue instrument users, and a control unit incorporated with amemory.

Essentially, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention,the central station interfaces many individual remote keyless andwireless telephone instruments. Voice cues or prompts are provided andsignal representative of vocalized numbers (audio) are recognized toindicate a desired terminal connection as well as to authenticate orverify that a remote instrument is being properly used. The centralstation determines whether the instrument has adequate pre-paid value tocover a specified call. If so, the indicated communication is completedthrough the mobile network and the public network, with the centralstation monitoring the call to reflect a service charge in the prepaidbalance. In accordance with one embodiment, after communication isinitiated, it may proceed selectively in different formats, e.g.ultimately by using either vocal or dial-up (key pad) signals, e.g.DTMF.

With reference to current technology, the system elements of the centralstation may be variously embodied in a mobile network, as by modifyingor supplementing a base station and/or mobile switch center.Accordingly, the system hereof may be variously incorporated in a mobiletelecommunications system to accommodate dial-up select communicationthrough a public switched telephone network.

Wireless telephone instruments in accordance herewith may involve alimited and defined pre-paid value. The simplicity of the instruments(being keyless—without a numerical keypad) enable very compact forms, asin the configuration of a fountain pen. Furthermore, in large productionruns, individual instruments may be quite inexpensive, even to theextent of being discardable or disposable. Accordingly, convenient,inexpensive instruments may be produced with defined and relativelysmall risk of loss. Complications and obligations of ownership also maybe relatively few. Various modifications are disclosed to accommodatevarious alternative structures and processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which constitute apart of this specification, exemplaryembodiments of the invention are set forth as follows:

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a wireless mobile telephone instrument inaccordance with the present invention and for use in a system inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken lengthwise through the instrument ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with the presentinvention, showing components of instruments and a central station foruse with a public switched telephone network;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart detailing the operations of the system asdepicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is an extension of the flow chart of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a symbolic fragmentary diagram of a memory cell in the systemof FIG. 3, for representing data on a wireless telephone instrument;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a wirelessmobile telephone instrument in accordance herewith;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 6showing instrument components; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the instrument of FIG.6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As indicated above, detailed embodiments of the present invention aredisclosed herein. However, the embodiments are merely representative,recognizing that a wide variety of disclosed embodiments are possibleutilizing a multitude of different techniques and components.Nevertheless, the disclosed embodiments are deemed to afford the bestembodiments for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for theclaims herein which define the scope of the present invention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a mobile station, or wireless telephoneinstrument TI is depicted showing some of the operating components.Specifically, the instrument TI is embodied in a tubular housing 10 withsomewhat hemispherical ends 9 (left) and 11 to define a configurationthat is somewhat similar to that of a writing instrument, e. g. afountain pen.

Near the end 9 of the housing 10, a pocket clip 12 is affixed to thetubular surface extending parallel to the central axis of the housing10. The clip may serve as a handle and accommodates convenientattachment of the instrument TI during storage.

Also apparent from the exterior of the housing 10 is an antenna 14 (FIG.1, upper left) which is telescopically mounted either to besubstantially contained in the housing 10 or to extend through a port16, so that its major length is outside the housing 10. Note that inFIG. 1, the antenna 14 is shown partially extended from the housing 10while in FIG. 2, it is shown contained in the housing 10.

Near the antenna port 16, at the very tip of the end 9, is a receptacle15 for a jack (not shown) to recharge the instrument. Somewhat adjacentthe receptacle 15, an array of small openings 18 penetrate the housing10 for passing sound from an earphone 20 (FIG. 2). Mounted near thearray of openings 18 is a pilot lamp 22 indicating the alternativestates: “on” and “off”. The switch structure for setting these states isassociated with the antenna 14 and is described later with reference toFIG. 2.

Near the end 11 (FIG. 1, right) a group 26 of slots 27 penetrate thehousing 10 for passing a users voice to a microphone 28 (FIG. 2). Thus,the instrument TI is configured to position the microphone 28 near auser's mouth while the earphone 20 is positioned near the user's ear.Note that the pocket clip 12 may be variously placed to attain the mostuniversally convenient location for use as a handle.

The elemental simplicity and convenience of the keyless instrument TIare apparent, both for storage and use. To further consider theinstrument TI, reference now will be made to FIG. 2 showing the interiorcomponents.

The earphone 20 and the microphone 28, mentioned above, are firmly fixedin relation to the housing 10. A switch device 30 (FIG. 2, left) isconfigured as a block and also is fixed in the housing 10. The switchdevice 30 has a dual function, specifically, it actuates the instrumentand carries the antenna 14. Structurally, the switch device 30 defines asmall bore (not shown) that may be keyed and which telescopicallyreceives an elongate shaft 32 of the antenna 14. Accordingly, the switchdevice 30 provides a slide bearing to accommodate axial movement of theantenna 14 as indicated by an arrow 33.

When the antenna 14 is withdrawn to extend fully from the housing 10, aknob 34, located at the inner end of the antenna 14, engages aspring-biased plunger 36 extending from the switch device 30. The knob34 forces the plunger 36 telescopically within the switch device 30 andthereby energizes the instrument TI to an “on” state. Plunger switchdevices are well known and widely used in various electronicapplications. Retraction of the antenna 14 releases the spring-biasedplunger 36 allowing it to return to the exposed position as illustrated(FIG. 2). Accordingly, the instrument TI is de-energized to an “off”state.

As indicated above, except for the antenna 14, the internal componentsof the wireless telephone instrument TI are firmly fixed in the housing10. In such fixed locations, the components are electricallyinterconnected to accomplish an operating electrical apparatus asdescribed in detail below. Specifically, the switch device 30, alongwith the antenna 14 are coupled by a cable 37 to a power supply, e.g.battery pack 38 which also is connected to an electronics package 40 bya cable 42. Connections from the electronics package 40 also extend tothe microphone 28 (wires 44) and to the earphone 20 (wires 46, partlyobscured by the battery pack 38 and carried in the cable 42). Thebattery pack 38 also is connected to the charging receptacle 15 by wires47.

The electronics package 40 may comprise an integrated circuit chip (notseparately shown) constituting the component electronic parts asdescribed below. These components function cooperatively to execute theprocess steps and operations of the instrument, also as described below.

Generally, to make a call with the instrument TI, a user simplywithdraws the antenna 14 to energize the electrical components includingthe signal lamp 22 which is illuminated to indicate the instrument isready for use. With the earphone 20 near the users ear, audible promptssoon are heard instructing the user to respond vocally.

Following preliminary communication with the central station (describedbelow), a communication connection is completed from the instrument TIto a desired remote telephone terminal by spoken number words from theuser. A wireless system network and the public switched telephonenetwork accommodate such operation for a multitude of individualwireless telephone instruments TI. Generally, it is noteworthy thatvarious forms of wireless systems are well known in the art into whichthe developments hereof may be variously incorporated.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a plurality of individual wireless telephoneinstruments TI1 through TIn are shown (FIG. 3, left). The instrumentsTI1-TIn may take the physical form of the instrument TI, as describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Essentially, the instruments TI1-TInare interfaced with a public switched telephone network N (FIG. 3, lowercenter) through central wireless stations C1 through Cn and a server Sin accordance herewith.

Individually, the stations C1-Cn may serve as base radio stations fordifferent geographic areas and may be managed by the server S toaccommodate roaming by the instruments TI1-TIn as well known in the art.Details of the wireless management and server functions are well knownand consequently are not treated in detail. However, note that theserver S may be replicated and that various wireless functions may beperformed either in the central stations C1-Cn or in the server S,depending on specific system architecture and design criteria.

As indicated, the central stations C1-Cn are coupled through the serverS to the public switched network N. Of course, the public switchedtelephone network N also is coupled to a multitude of telephoneterminals as generally represented by terminals S1 through Sn. As knownin the art, any of a wide variety of couplings may be utilized toselectively accomplish the connective functions from the disclosedsystem herein, through a wireless network and the public network N tothe terminals S1-Sn.

In a preliminary manner, consider a routine operation of the system(FIG. 3) by assuming that a user, e. g. the owner of the wirelesstelephone instrument TI1, is located in an area served by the centralstation C1 and wishes to communicate with someone at the telephonestation S1, identified by the telephone number 1 213 555 6666.

The user simply withdraws the antenna 14 (FIG. 2) to energize thetelephone instrument TI1. As a result, the lamp 22 is illuminated andcertain identification signals are transmitted from the instrument TI1(FIG. 3) to the central station C1. Note that other central stations, asthe station Cn, may become involved if the user of the instrument TI1roams.

After some preliminary processing, as described in detail below, thecentral station C1 transmits an audio cuing signal to the instrumentTI1. As a result, the user hears the earphone 20 provide a vocalinstruction or cue for authentication data, e. g. “Please speak thenumbers of your instrument code”.

In response, the user vocalizes the digits of the code associated withthe instrument TI1 (usually treated as secret) e. g. “two, one, three,nine”.

Next the user is given pre-paid value information and cued for a callednumber, e. g. “You now have sixty eight dollars credit. Please speak thedigits of the number you are calling”.

Responsively, the user speaks the called number digits, e. g. “one, two,one, three, five, five, five, six, six, six, six”, designating theterminal S1.

Typically, the user then hears a ringing signal, presumably a wirelessconnection is established and communication proceeds in the conventionalmanner. The communication is monitored to reflect time and charges.

The detailed operation and processes of the composite system are treatedbelow; however, as certain aspects of mobile telecommunication arepresently well known they are not explained in detail. For example,various identification methods, broadcast techniques and structures,authentication techniques, calling processes, cellular organizations andmobility managements are well known. Detailed descriptions of suchaspects of mobile telecommunications are provided in a book entitled,Mobile Telecommunications Networking, by Michael D. Gallagher and RandalA. Snyder, McGraw Hill, 1997, ISBN 0-07-063314-2, incorporated byreference herein. Particularly, the book treats techniques forinterfacing a plurality mobile stations or instruments through basestations with the public switched telephone network. Generally asdisclosed in the present system, the central stations C1-Cn can berelated as base stations to function with the server S which as statedabove may embody various wireless network structures. Regarding anotherfacet of mobile telecommunication, specifically fraud prevention, someaspects of the problem are facilitated by the system hereof. However,various security techniques are well known which may well be applicableto systems in accordance herewith. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,977issued Jul. 30, 1996 to Hodges et al treats a system for the avoidanceof wireless fraud. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,479 issuedSep. 12, 1995 treats improved security for prepaid systems usingtelephone calling cards.

To consider the system of FIG. 3 further, the detailed telephoneinstrument TI1 (represented as a dashed-line block) showsrepresentations of the earphone 20, the microphone 28, the antenna 14,the switch device 30 and the power supply or battery pack 38, all asgenerally described above. Furthermore, the power supply 38 is connectedto a control unit 56 through the switch device 30. Otherwise, theelectrical elements are connected directly to a transceiver 54. In thatregard, the control unit 56 and the transceiver 54 are interconnected bya cable 58. Generally, the control unit 56 and the transceiver 54 (alongwith other elements described below) are contained in the electronicspackage 40 (FIG. 2). The transceiver 54 (FIG. 3) may take a formsomewhat similar to units well known in contemporary wireless telephonesystems. Functionally in the embodiment of FIG. 3, both digital andaudio signals (in one form or another) are transmitted by thetransceiver 54; however, only audio signals are received as input.

The control unit 56 includes a memory 55 (ROM) primarily for storingidentification data for the instrument along with control data for thecontrol unit 56. Generally, the functions of the control unit 56(treated below) are simple, involving the transmission of identificationsignals and sequencing the transmission and receipt of voice (audio)signals.

As indicated above, the wireless telephone instruments TI1-TIn mayutilize currently well-known wireless techniques for communication withthe central units C1-Cn. Communication is represented in FIG. 3 by wavylines L1, L2 and Ln respectively. Such communication is from theantennas 14 of the instruments TI1-TIn through a central station antenna60 to a wireless telephone platform 62. As suggested, the platform 62incorporates substantial radio facility and is capable of accommodatingbroadcast communication with multiple calls simultaneously from themultiple instruments TI1-TIn.

The platform 62 may take the form of various structures as currentlyembodied in mobile base stations and is coupled to a control unit 64.Functionally, the control unit 64 sequences the operation of componentsin the central station C1, as disclosed below, basically to accomplish:screening wireless interfaces, informing and cuing callers, and to someextent, accomplishing the desired telephonic wireless connections andmonitoring calls.

With approval, a call from the instrument TI1 is dialed up through theserver S and the network N then bridged from the calling instrument TI1to the terminal S1. As indicated, completed calls then are monitored toreflect service charges in the individual pre-paid balances of thewireless telephone instruments TI1-TIn which are kept at the centralstation C1.

To accomplish the approval and routing functions of the central wirelessstation C1, the control unit 64 is coupled to: a voice generator 66(ARU), a voice recognition unit 68, a memory 70, operator terminalstations 72 (collectively represented) and finally, a network switchingunit 74 connected through the server S to the public switched telephonenetwork N.

Some components of the central station C1 are well known. Specifically,voice generators are well known as in the form of Automatic ResponseUnits (ARUs) which may include some additional capability and are widelyused to cue callers in telephonic interface systems. The voice generator66 is controlled by the control unit 64 as disclosed in detail below.

Voice recognition units, as the unit 68, also are well known and havebeen developed to a attain a good level of reliably in identifying thespoken digits “zero” through “nine” in an audio form, even whencommunicated by telephone. For example, verbal or voice recognitionunits providing an alternative to dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF)signals are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,060 issued Apr. 16, 1996 toHall et al.

In the present system, callers essentially are cued by the voicegenerator 66 to speak numbers digit-by-digit as explained above. Suchspoken numbers are individually recognized at the central station C1 bythe voice recognition unit 68 and provided in a digital form for use asdata or control signals.

The memory 70, in the central wireless station C1, involves asubstantial capacity and includes individual instrument cells 70A1-n(represented collectively) which are assigned respectively to theinstruments TI1-TIn. For example, the cell 70A1 is allocated to theinstrument TI1 and the cell 70An is allocated to the instrument TIn.Generally, an exemplary detailed format for the cells 70A1-70An isdescribed below with reference to FIG. 5.

The memory 70 also includes a section 70B, which serves to indicatecurrent connections of the instruments TI1-TIn, as for tracing on-linecalls. Specifically, calls currently in process are stored to identifythe individual wireless telephone instruments that are “connected,” forexample, to terminals S1-Sn. Addressing the memory section 70B is on thebasis of the telephone numbers of called terminals S1-Snn. This featureis treated in further detail below.

At this point it is to be generally understood that the memory 70functions with the control unit 64 to: cue callers, store and implementapproval or test criteria, maintain records of use history and values,and store messages, all to implement dial-up communication.

In some instances, a need may arise for direct personal communicationbetween an individual at the station C1 and the user of a wirelessinstrument TI. For example, it may be desired to accommodate a user whohas entered unresponsive information or has an urgent need for personalassistance. Alternatively, it may be desirable to confront aquestionable user of an instrument with person-to-person communication.In some situations, as an emergency, an instrument user may be willingto incur a meaningful charge to speak directly with a live operator. Toaccommodate such operations, under certain circumstances, a user may betransferred to a live operator at one of the terminals 72. As wellknown, the terminals include a display screen for advising the operatorof an instant situation to the extent of stored data.

The network switching unit 74 is a dial-up apparatus for operation withthe server S to interface the network N. Accordingly, calls are placedor routed through the network N to a select one of the terminals S1through Sn. The unit 74 operates with the control unit 64 to bridgecalls, and forms thereof are well known.

In view of the above descriptions, to further an understanding of thedeveloped composite wireless system of FIG. 3, and the related operatingprocesses, an assumed operating sequence will now be explained withreference to the various figures including the flow diagram of FIG. 4.Accordingly, assume a proper user, holding the wireless telephoneinstrument TI1 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) with a desire to establish telephoniccommunication with a telephone terminal S1 (FIG. 3).

At the outset, the assumed user withdraws the antenna 14 (FIG. 2)actuating the switch device 30 (FIG. 3) to energize the instrument TI1.The operation is indicated in FIG. 4 by an oval block 90 (upper left),designated “ON”. Upon energization, the control unit 56 (FIG. 3, left)fetches the instrument's identification data from the memory 55 thenactuates the transceiver 54 to broadcast signals representative of theinstrument identification number, as indicated by the block 92 (FIG. 4).Note that in order to indicate the location of each operational step, asbetween the instrument TI1 and the central station C1, the blockssymbols in FIG. 4 are designated parenthetically either by a “T”(telephone instrument) or a “C” (central station C1).

The broadcast identification data from the instrument TI1 is received bythe wireless platform 62 (FIG. 3, center) through the antenna 60 at thecentral wireless station C1 and passed to the control unit 64. Theoperation is represented in FIG. 4 by a block 94.

Upon receiving the identification data for the instrument TI1, thecontrol unit 64 (FIG. 3) addresses a data cell 70A1 in the memory 70serving the instrument TI1. The step is indicated by the block 96 (FIG.4). Consequently, the data of the cell 70A1 is readily available.

As indicated above, details of the format for the exemplary cell 70A1are treated below with reference to FIG. 5. However, for the present, itis important simply to understand that the control unit 64 fetchesreference information or data from the memory 70, i. e. memory cell70A1, to authenticate or verify that the instrument TI1 is proper asidentified.

Various authentications or verifications may be involved, as discussedin greater detail below. However, at present, assume that theidentification data coincides to reference data to authenticate theinstrument TI1 as an instrument that is properly available for presentuse. Accordingly, a “yes” results from the query step as illustrated inFIG. 4 by a query block 98.

Note that a failure to verify the identification data for the telephoneinstrument TI1 (indicated by a “no” path from the query block 98) routesthe operation to an “abort” block 102. It is to be recognized thatseveral situations may result in an “abort” instruction. Of course, suchoccurrences may be handled differently and by various techniques. Forexample, a user simply may be informed that the instrument is notcurrently usable. Alternatives include tone signals, detailedexplanations by the voice generator 66, and transfer to one of theterminals 72 for an operator interface.

Returning to the operative sequence, with verification of the instrumentTI1 for use, the “yes” path from the query block 98 (FIG. 4) progressesto a block 100 indicating an operation by the control unit 64 (FIG. 3)to actuate the voice generator 66. Specifically, the user is prompted tospeak the instrument code. For example, the voice generator 66 may becontrolled to produce an audio message: “Please say your instrumentcode, slowly and digit by digit.”

The audio message is broadcast by the wireless platform 62 to thetransceiver 54 to actuate the earphone 20 with the cue. Responding tothe cue, the user speaks the instrument code, e. g. “one, two, three,nine.” See block 104, FIG. 4.

The spoken numbers are converted to audio signals by the microphone 28(FIG. 3) and transmitted by the transceiver 54 to the wireless platform62, see block 106, FIG. 4.

Receiving the instrument code “1239”, it is verified by the control unit64, as by comparison with a reference code stored in the instrument cell70A1. Generally, the operation is similar to that of verifying theinstrument identification, (explained above) as well as the widespreadoperation of testing a users personal identification number (PIN) whichis variously executed in many forms of processors. However, note thatthe instrument code is associated with the instrument TI1, rather thanwith any person as in the case of a conventional PIN. PIN verificationalso could be utilized.

As suggested, other verifications may be involved as considered indetail below. In any event, the verification operation, performed by thecontrol unit 64 (FIG. 3) is illustrated by a query block 108 (FIG. 4)and results in either a “yes” or a “no”.

If the instrument code is not verified as proper, an abort operationresults (block 110, FIG. 4). Alternatively, verification (“yes”)advances the operation to a block 112 to initiate another testing stepin the process. Specifically the control unit 64 (FIG. 3) determineswhether the wireless telephone instrument TI1 has a critically-lowpre-paid balance. To perform the step, the control unit 64 againaddresses the memory cell 70A1 for the instrument TI1 to obtain thecurrent pre-paid credit or value held for the instrument. If the balanceis critically low, the user may wish to add value, as by using a creditcard.

The query block 114 (FIG. 4) tests the current pre-paid balance that isavailable for calls, e. g. “balance over five dollars?”. Note thatalthough values are treated in terms of dollars herein, such values aremerely exemplary, recognizing that points, credits, and so on could beused to designate value.

In any event, the control unit 64 tests the current value against acritical minimum value to determine whether or not to inquire if theuser wishes to increase the pre-paid value of the instrument. If so(yes) as illustrated by block 116, the user might be cued: “Yourinstrument now has a value balance of only four dollars and fifty cents,if you would like to increase the value by using a credit card, pleasesay one”.

The query is resolved by the user's command, a illustrated by a queryblock 118. If the user wishes to increase the prepaid balance, theprocess advances to a sub-process as indicated by an oval block 120 goto A (detailed below with reference to FIG. 4A). Otherwise, the processmoves to another query block 122 representing another “test” stepexecuted by the control unit 64 (FIG. 3). Specifically, the query iswhether the instrument TI1 has sufficient current calling value topermit any call. If not, an abort is commanded as indicated by an abortblock 124.

If the instrument has sufficient value i.e. an amount in excess of someminimum call value, the process moves to the step of block 126, whichalso indicates the step that follows a positive result from the testblock 114 (balance over five dollars?). With the process advanced to thestage of proceeding with a call, the block 126 indicates cuing the userfor the called number (“1 213 555 6666” for terminal S1). Additionally,the user is given the current pre-paid value for the instrument.

Specifically at this stage, the control unit 64 controls the voicegenerator 66 to cue the user. For example, the audio message transmittedto the user might take the form: “The present value of your instrumentis sixty four dollars and fifty cents, please speak the number you arecalling digit by digit.”

At the instrument TI1, the user speaks the desired number to be called,e. g. “one, two, one, three, five, five, five, six, six, six, six.” Thespoken words impact the microphone 28 (FIG. 3) and are converted toaudio signals that are broadcast in one form or another by thetransceiver 54 using the antenna 14. See FIG. 4, block 128.

The transmitted audio signals representative of the called number arereceived (FIG. 4, block 130) at the wireless central station C (FIG. 3)by the platform 62. Applied to the control unit 64, the signals areconverted to a digital (dial up) form then applied to the networkswitching unit 74 to accomplish a dial-up operation through the server Sand the public switched telephone network N.

Using the multitude of capabilities and structures of the publicswitched telephone network N, a connection is sought with the terminalS1, see block 132, FIG. 4. Normally, the connection would be establishedand bridged such that the user would hear a “ringing” tone. It may bethe policy that the call would be charged only if communication isestablished. Accordingly, a query block 134, is illustrated. If theconnection is not established, which might be determined by the userinactivating the instrument TI1, operation is aborted (block 135) withno action necessary.

Alternatively, if a connection is established (block 136, yes), thebridge between the instrument TI1 (FIG. 3) and the terminal S1 is heldwith monitoring to determine charges for the call as indicated by theblock 136. Essentially, when the communication is terminated, the timeand charges for the call are reflected in the prepaid balance as storedin the memory cell 70A1 for the instrument TI1. These operations areexecuted between the control unit 64 and the memory 70.

In summary, to this point FIG. 4 illustratively describes the processthat is cooperatively executed by the control unit 56 in the wirelesstelephone instrument TI1 and the control unit 64 (in the central stationC1). In a further embodiment, an instrument TN (FIGS. 6 and 7) functionscooperatively with the control unit 64 (FIG. 3) to selectivelyaccomplish both voice and number (numeric) communication.

Of course, the audio signals representing speech from the individualinstruments as TI1 and TN (described below) might take various forms,for example as mentioned above, they might be analog or digitized.However, in accordance herewith, a distinction is made between numberaudio signals that serve to express numbers, and voice audio signalsthat are to be vocalized. Ultimately, in one form or another, the numbersignals may function for example: to route calls, to provide controlfunctions or to communicate information. On the contrary, voice audiosignals manifest speech and serve to accommodate vocal conversation.

As explained with respect to the above embodiment, the interpretativeselection for either number signals or voice signals is determined bythe stage of operation. For example, during the call up stage, audiosignals representative of numbers that are spoken by the user areinterpreted as number signals to route a call. However, to the presentextent of description, after a connection is established, during theconversational phase, all audio signals representing words spoken by theuser (including numbers) are treated as voice signals to produce speech.

In the embodiment of the instrument TN, as described below, flexibilityis provided to accommodate selective treatment of audio signals that arerepresentative of numbers spoken by a user, as either number signals orvoice signals. Accordingly, during the conversational phase, a user isable to enter information numerically, as to a computer, for example inresponse to a prompt: “Please enter your Social Security number.” Statedanother way, during the conversational phase, voice-activated telephoneinstruments can selectively accommodate either vocal communication (aswith an another person) or numerical communication (as with a computerin a computer telephonic interface). It is noteworthy that themicrophone system may take the form of a structure to variously formataudio signals. In a somewhat related context it also is to be noted thatthe instrument may record the current prepaid balance and accordinglycontrol operation, either by interfacing the user as described above orby simply halting operation when consumed.

Referring to FIG. 6, a central fragment illustrates the telephoneinstrument TN as an alternative embodiment of the instrument TI shown inFIG. 1. Specifically, the distinct central portion of the telephoneinstrument TN is shown in cross section, illustrating a switch 22Maffixed in the cylindrical housing 10A. The switch 22M may take variousforms; however, in the present embodiment, a simple single-pole,momentary-contact, push-button switch is mounted and connected to theelectronics package 40A by conductors 21A.

In operation, once communication is established with a remote terminal,activating the switch 22M commands the telephone instrument TN toconnect and transmit numerical signals rather than voice signals. Forexample, as disclosed in detail below, a user of the instrument TN maybe in a CTI (computer telephone interface) during which it is desired totransmit both voice signals and number signals. Again, the signals maytake a variety of forms; however, the selection depends on the form ofinformation to be transmitted, voice or number. As a specific example,at one point, the user may be prompted to speak an address. Accordingly,voice signals (analog, digital, etc.) would provide the communication.At another stage, the user may be prompted to enter a Social Securitynumber. At that stage, the user simply actuates the numbers switch 22M,then speaks the digits of the Social Security number resulting in thetransmission of number signals to the interface computer, e.g. stationC1. Of course, the number signals may take various forms; however, oneform may comprise dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signals. Thedetailed structure of the electronics package 40A in the instrument TNwill now be considered with reference to FIG. 7.

Several components in the electronics package of FIG. 7 are similar tocomponents previously described with respect to the electronics package40 (FIG. 2). Generally, such common components perform similar functionsand carry similar reference numerals. However, in the embodiment of FIG.7, the control unit 55 is substantially expanded to include severaladditional elements. The manual switch 22M (FIG. 6) is illustrated inFIG. 7 as a block 22M connected to the control unit 55 whichincorporates a memory 55A and a phase register or indicator 57.

The control unit 55 also is connected through a phase switch 63 to avocal recognition unit 59 and a number signal generator 61. The vocalrecognition unit 59 along with the number signal generator 61 functionas a cooperating structure for converting voice signals to numbersignals. Specifically, voice signals from the microphone 28 may beapplied through a control switch 63 to the unit 59 which identifiesspecific numbers to the generator 61 (as by digital signal) which inturn supplies representative number signals (e.g. DTMF) through thecontrol unit 55 to the transceiver 54 for transmission from the antenna14.

Note that the control switch 63 (indirectly controlled by the switch22M) will normally be embodied in electronics; however, for purposes ofillustration, it is symbolically represented somewhatelectro-mechanically as a simple single-pole, double-throw switchactuated by the control unit 55 under control of the switch 22M. In thelowered position, the control switch 63 provides voice signals from themicrophone 28 through the control unit 55 to the transceiver 54 wherebyas part of the microphone system, such signals may be variously treatedand processed, then transmitted as voice signals from the antenna 14.

When the control switch 63 is in a raised position (as illustrated)under control of the control unit 55 and the switch 22M, voice signalsrepresenting spoken numbers are provided to the voice recognition unit59 and the number signal generator 61 for conversion to number signalswhich are provided through the control unit 55 to the transceiver 54.Again, the number signals may be variously formulated for transmissionfrom the antenna 14.

Of course, the voice signals may be in various formats, e.g. modulatedanalog, digital and so on. Similarly, the number signals also may takevarious forms, including DTMF or other dial-up signals. In any event,the wireless platform 62 is able to accommodate signals in the providedforms as for passage to a remote station.

The operation of the instrument embodiment of FIG. 6 has manysimilarities to the embodiment of FIG. 2. In that regard, theelectronics package 40 of the embodiment of FIG. 2 is described abovewith reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 also is descriptive of many operationsthat may be accomplished by the electronics package 40A in theinstrument embodiment of FIG. 6. However, the operation affected by theelectronics package 40A (FIG. 6) is expanded into several phases tocontrol the signal mode manually and to embrace a preliminary interfacewith the user to accomplish storage of calling information in theinstrument 40A for transmission in bulk to the central station, e.g.station C1.

Functionally, the phases of the instrument 40A depend on the operatingstage and operations desired by the user. Generally, the phases include:“off”, “stand by”, “calling”, “conversation”, and “numbers.” The phaseprogressions are set forth in a chart below; however, consider a fewpreliminary comments. Of course, the “off” phase simply designates thatthe instrument is completely inactive. The “stand by” phase sets theinstrument to receive incoming calls. The “calling” phase is enteredduring the placement of an outgoing call and is terminated with aconnection to a remote terminal.

Upon termination of the “calling” phase, the “conversation” phase isinitiated during which the user speaks for vocal communication.Termination of the “conversation” phase is accomplished to enter the“numbers” phase by depressing the manual switch 22M (FIGS. 6 and 7). Inaccordance with the disclosed embodiment, the “numbers” phase continuesuntil the user releases the switch 22A, after which the system returnsto the “conversation” phase.

As indicated above, the various phase progressions are summarized in thefollowing chart.

PHASE PROGRESSIONS Phase Initiating Action (Register 57) FunctionOperation Ant. Switch “OFF” “OFF” None None Ant. Switch “ON” + “Standby”Awaiting Call Standby Double Click Man. Switch Ant. Switch “ON”“Calling” Outgoing Call Convert Spoken Numbers to Dial-Up Numbers“Calling” Phase + “Conversa- Vocal Transmit Audio Send Call Number tion”Communica- tion “Conversation” “Numbers” Number Convert Spoken Phase +Man. Communica- Numbers to Dial-Up Switch “ON” tion Numbers - Transmit“Numbers” Phase + “Conversa- Vocal Transmit Voice Man. Switch “OFF”tion” Communica- tion “Standby” Phase + “Conversa- Vocal Transmit VoiceIn-Call + Double tion Communica- Click Man. Switch tion

As indicated above, the control unit 56 is defined to some extent by theprocess illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A. However, departures may beintroduced at blocks 98 or 114 to include steps as illustrated in FIG.8. Specifically, a positive result from either of the blocks would movethe program to block 125 which indicates the step of prompting a user tospeak the called number. To respond, the user speaks the called number,digit by digit into the microphone 28 (FIG. 7). Consequently, during the“calling” phase, the representative audio signals pass through the phaseswitch 63, the VRU 59 and the number signal generator 61 to the controlunit 55 for storage in the memory 55A as number signals. The operationalstep is illustrated in FIG. 8 by the block 127. As each digit is stored,the control unit 55 checks to determine the completion of a good orcomplete called telephone number. The step is represented in FIG. 8 by aquery block 129. If a valid called number is not completed, the processadvances to a step represented by a query block 131 to test a waitingperiod. If another digit is not received within a predeterminedinterval, the process advances to the step of block 133 indicating aninvalid telephone number. Functionally, the situation may occur when theuser has not “dialed” a complete called number and does not enteranother digit for a predetermined interval of time, e.g. 5 seconds. Thefailure to enter a digit within a predetermined interval indicates thecaller should be informed that a valid number has not been entered,thereby returning to the initial step represented by block 127 of cuingthe user to freshly enter a called number. Similarly the caller is soinformed upon entering digits of a complete but invalid number.

If the user enters another needed digit within the predetermined time,the operation involves converting and storing such a digit as indicatedby the block 127 and testing for completion of a valid calling number asindicated by the query block 129. With the completion of a valid callednumber (query block 129), the next step is simply to query the user ifthe number is to be “dialed.” Such a prompt is indicated by the block135.

In the event that an incorrect number has been stored, or in some otherpossible circumstances, the user may wish to cancel the “dial”operation. In that regard, note that the prompting step represented bythe block 135 may include vocalizing the stored telephone number to becalled.

If the user elects not to “dial” i.e. transmit the stored number to thewireless platform 60 (FIG. 3) a “no” path is followed from the queryblock 137. As a consequence, the user is prompted to enter a new numberand the stored number is canceled. The operation, as indicated by theblock 139, may. also prompt the user with the possibility of terminatingcommunication, i.e. “going off hook” or “hanging up”. From the step ofblock 139, prompting the caller for a new number, the process returns tothe operation of block 127, i.e. converting and storing received digits.Alternatively, the user may turn off the antenna switch 30 (FIG. 3) andproceed to the “off” phase.

Returning to the query block 137, approval of the stored number to besent or “dialed” results in the operational step of block 141, i.e.transmitting the stored number to accomplish a telephone connection. Inthat regard, the user may hear traditional sounds pending a connection.

With the transmission of the stored number, the control unit 55 (FIG. 7)advances the phase counter 57 to the “conversation” phase as indicatedby the above chart. The operational step is indicated by the block 143.Thus, the user is bridged through the public switch telephone network N(FIG. 3).

With the establishment of a telephonic connection, the communication maysimply proceed (person-to-person) in a vocal mode with the instrument TNin a “conversation” phase. Alternatively, the instrument TN may beinterfaced with a computer. In the course of such an interface, the userlikely will be prompted to enter numbers, e.g. “Please enter your Socialif Security number.” To accomplish such an operation, the user firstdepresses the manual switch 22M moving to the “numbers” phase. Theoperation is illustrated in FIG. 8 by query block 147. With theactuation of the manual switch 22M, the control unit 55 sets the phaseregister to the “numbers” phase as indicated by the block 149 (FIG. 8).Then, when the user speaks the prompted numbers, e.g. a Social SecurityNumber, the control unit 55 actuates the phase switch 63, passing theaudio number signals through the voice recognition unit 59 and thenumber signal generator 61 to provide number signals through the controlunit 55 and the transceiver 54 to the wireless platform 62 (FIG. 3).

Upon completion of the numerical entry, the user releases the manualswitch 22M (FIGS. 6 and 7) returning the operation to the “conversation”phase for further vocal communication. The operation is illustrated inFIG. 8 by the block 151. With the “conversation” phase restored, thecontrol unit actuates the phase switch 63 to provide signals from themicrophone 28 to the control unit 55 for direct passage through thetransceiver 54 for transmission as voice.

In view of the above explanation, it will be apparent that theinstrument TN is capable of operating in a plurality of phases, asindicated by the above chart. It is noteworthy that the “standby” phaseexists during which incoming calls may be received. To accomplish a“standby” phase, the antenna switch 30 is set to “on” and the manualswitch 22M is double clicked. The operation is illustrated in the abovechart to initiate the “standby” state in which calls may be received bythe instrument TN. Note that an incoming call may be variouslyindicated, as by a signal from the earphone 20 (FIG. 7) and withacceptance by a double click of the manual switch 22M. Such operationagain initiates the “conversation” phase.

Some further sub-processes or process steps that may be incorporated insystems hereof will next be considered. For example, the sub-process ofadding value was mentioned above. Also, the systems may incorporate amessage capability somewhat akin to contemporary pager operation.Emergency access to a live operator also was mentioned above and istreated at a later point below. Additional aspects of fraud control alsoare treated below.

In the above descriptions relating to FIG. 4, a point (A) was reached(designated by the oval block 120) in the “numbers” phase, when a userindicated a desire to add value to the pre-paid balance. Essentially,the operation is to add value to the prepaid balance of a telephoneinstrument, for example the instrument TI1, by incrementing the valuestored in the memory cell 70A1 (FIG. 3). For example increments ofeither fifty or one hundred dollars might be selected.

The selected increment of value is reflected in the balance stored atthe central station C1 (e.g. home station for the instrument TI1) or inindividual instruments and may be supported by a conventional creditcard. In that regard, to support the credit card transaction, data inthe form of a credit card number and expiration date may be sufficient.However, it is common practice additionally to require the card holdersname or other data. As disclosed below, such additional data may becommunicated in the form of audio signals representing words spoken bythe user. Essentially, the control unit 64 accommodates recording suchaudio information.

Considering the subprocess in detail, reference now will be to FIG. 4Ashowing an oval 150, designated A (top) from the block 120 (FIG. 4). Theinitial step (block 152) of the sub-process involves cuing the user tostate the number of the credit card supplying the increment of value. Asdescribed above, the number is spoken digit-by digit to be received, inaudio form, at the central station C1 (block 154). As described above,the resulting audio signals may be converted to digital numberrepresentations or signals for further processing.

In a similar fashion, the user is cued by the voice generator 66 tospeak the card expiration date (block 156). Again, as described above,the date is spoken and received as audio signals then converted andprocessed as illustrated by a block 158.

The next step involves a query, as indicated by the block 160, unlessthe process encompasses taking alphabetic or voice data, e. g. theuser's “name”, “address” and so on. In that event, a block 162,indicated as an alternative step by a dashed-line path 163, involvescuing, receiving and distinctly recording or processing such data, againin the form of audio signals. Such signals are treated differently.Rather than to be converted to digital or number representations, theaudio analog signals representative of alphabetic words may be storedfor processing which may involve subsequent consideration by a person.

In any event, the process next advances to the query block 160 mentionedabove and indicating a test executed by the control unit 64 (FIG. 3) toverify the received data. If the data is only digital numbers,verification typically would be on line. With verification, thetransaction is approved. Otherwise, the process advances to the block162 (FIG. 4Ad) indicating an abort of the communication.

Proceeding along the “yes” path from the query block 160, the next stepis to cue the user for the value increment, e. g. “$50” or “$100”? Thestep is indicated by a block 166 and involves the user either speakingthe digit “one” for a “$50” increment, or the digit “two” for anincrement of “$100”.

The spoken increment digit is received, as indicated by a block 168,converted to digital number signals and depending on the selected optionis processed by recording the increment. As illustrated by a query block170 and the alternative incrementing blocks 172 and 174 value is addedto the prepaid balance. Thus, the final step is executed by the controlunit 64 (FIG. 3) and the memory 70. Specifically, the memory cell 70A1stores the prepaid value of the instrument TI1, which is thusincremented by the selected increment amount. Note that as indicatedabove, the memory function described above regarding the exemplarymemory cell 70A1 may be performed by the memory 55A (FIG. 7) ofindividual instruments TN. In any event, further detail will now beprovided in relation to memory.

Generally, reference has been made to the memory cells 70A1-n (FIG. 3,collectively represented) which are associated respectively with theindividual instruments TI1-TIn. In that regard, depending on systemdesign, regulatory provisions and operating formats, the content andlocation of the memory 70A may vary to a considerable extent. However,an exemplary format for the memory cell 70A1 is treated below and maytypify each of the cells.

As indicated above, in the disclosed embodiment, each wireless telephoneinstrument TI1-TIn has identification data stored in the memory 70,including an identification number, for example, “2746832814” for theinstrument TI1. A detailed treatment of identification numbers formobile instruments or stations is provided in the above-referenced book,Mobile Telecommunications Networking, specifically in a sectionbeginning on page 64.

Recognizing that instruments in accordance herewith may be constructedand treated somewhat differently, it is to be recognized that theindicated number is merely illustrative and conventions, regulations andso on may command identification numbers or data in totally differentforms with considerations as set forth in the referenced book. Also,memory from the cell 70A1 may be in the instruments.

Returning to the operations herein, the identification number istransmitted (broadcast) from an instrument (e.g. TI or TN) on itsactivation as identification data. On receipt, the number is used by thecontrol unit 64 to address the memory 70 (FIG. 3) and accordingly locatea specific memory cell, e. g. cell 70A1 for the instrument TI1. Thus,the memory cells are addressed individually by the identificationnumbers as illustratively represented by an arrow 191 in FIG. 5 (upperleft).

The exemplary cell 70A1 includes a number of individual fieldshorizontally arranged and shown separately in FIG. 5. At the top of thecell 70A1, as shown, a field 193 stores the identification number(“2746832814”) for confirming addressing operations.

Next in order, a field 194 registers the instrument code, specifically afour digit number, e. g. 2139. The field 194 provides a reference forverification of the received instrument code that is tied to theinstrument TI1 and may be provided by the user during each use to verifythat the user is proper. A pair of related fields 195 and 196respectively store the current and last prior prepaid values of theinstrument TI. The current value, e. g. $68.50 is used for authorizinguse and is reported to the user. The prior value is accessible to anoperator, along with all fields of the cell for reference purposes, asat one of the operator terminals 72 (FIG. 3).

A series of similar fields 198 (FIG. 5) are collectively identified andstore a record of the calls made by the instrument TI1. The fields 198may be organized as a transient memory for some predetermined number ofcalls that were made most recently. For example, only the last twentycalls might be stored. Designation or target telephone numbers areillustrated for the three last calls made from the instrument TI1. Datesalso may be recorded.

Another series of similar fields 200 also are collectively representedand provide a record of refreshed value increments. Specifically,incremental values and dates for adding value to the prepaid balance arestored as shown. Again, the storage may be transient covering somepredetermined number of occasions.

As previously suggested, the system can receive and report messages viathe instrument TI1. In that regard, messages are delivered only at atime when a telephone instrument TI is activated. Messages, in the forma telephone calling number and a date, are stored in a group of memoryfields collectively designated as fields 202.

If message operation is provided, the process of FIG. 4 is modified toallow for delivery. Specifically, after the code verification step (FIG.4, block 108) the user simply is advised that a message has been leftand is given the calling number and date vocally. Once delivered, themessages in the fields 202 may be purged.

Another ancillary aspect of the disclosed system involves limitationsthat may be imposed individually on the use of each instrument, e.g. theinstrument TI1. Some examples will explain the structure and operation.

One expected widespread use of instruments in accordance herewith is byyoung students as in elementary school. With the defined risk of lossand the convenient physical form of instruments hereof, parents may wishto provide instruments to their children both for security andcommunication. To further limit the risk of loss, in accordance herewithuse limitations can be imposed on the instruments.

Pursuing the example of a young student as the user, it might bepresumed that proper use of the instrument TI1 would be restricted to asingle dialing area. Accordingly, the use of the instrument can be solimited by storing the area code or codes that are approved for calls.Such limitations are stored in a group of fields 204 (FIG. 5) and areemployed to indicate the approved use of the instrument. Note that thestored data may be in individual instruments with control implemented bythe control unit 55.

To illustrate the limiting sub-process step, the flow diagram of FIG. 4,would be modified simply by incorporating a further verification stepsimilar to that of the block 108. Thus a test or tests are performed bythe control unit 64 (FIG. 3) or the control unit 55 (FIG. 7) as a partof the step represented by block 128 (“receive and process callnumber”). The test checks the called number against the reference areacode numbers as stored in the fields 204 (FIG. 5).

Another limitation may be based on the time of day when calls can bemade. For example, the day (twenty four hours) might be divided intofour segments of six hours each called: “morning”, “day”, “evening” and“night”. For example, the instrument TI1 may then be restricted for useto any one or more of the segments. For example, an employee given theinstrument TI1 might be restricted to using it only during the segmentsdesignated “morning” and “day”. The approved six-hour segments arestored in the fields 204 and are imposed by verification processing inthe control unit 64 (FIG. 3). For example, such verification may be apart of the process step 106 (FIG. 4).

Generally, attempted use of such a telephone instrument TI1 that isoutside the imposed limitations will be aborted in favor of a briefdenial message. Thus, the risk of loss from clones is further reduced.

Returning to the memory cell 70A1 (FIG. 5) a group of fields 206 storevarious personal and statistical data on the assigned owner or user.Again, such information is displayed to an operator in the event of atransfer to one of the operator terminals 72 (FIG. 3). Often such datawill be useful in communicating with users, as in the cases ofinterrupts or abort situations. Emergency data may be included, as forexample, the home telephone number of a young person or that of aspecific medical facility.

Another aspect of the present system involves emergency transfer to anoperator at one of the terminals 72 (FIG. 3). As indicated above, thesituation sometimes occurs when a user desperately wishes to speakdirectly with a person. To accommodate that situation, the presentsystem accommodates a transfer command. In an exemplary operation, auser indicates the desire to communicate with a person by speaking a“transfer” code, e. g. “three”, “three”, “three” “three” - - - “three”and so on. The sequence is detected as the unique transfer code by thecontrol unit 64 and the user is transferred to one of the operatorterminals 72. A charge may be involved.

As mentioned above, the problem of cloning may be variously combated,however, another aspect hereof may be utilized in that regard. Acounter, in the control unit 64 (FIG. 3), indicates a specific numberfor each call received on each line or port of the platform 60. Forexample, the counter might indicate any of the numbers: “one”, “two” or“three” on each line for each incoming call. The received numberselectively commands the control unit 64 to broadcast a burst signal ofa predetermined frequency to the calling instrument. That is, threedifferent frequencies are indicated by the three different counternumbers respectively.

Upon receiving the burst signal, the wireless telephone instrumentreplies with an associated number, e. g. a four digit number. The sameassociated number is stored as a reference by the memory 70, forexample, in each of the unit cells 70A1-n identified with the callinginstrument TI1.

The received and reference numbers are compared by the control unit 64to condition calls. In the case of coincidence, the call proceeds, theoperation being completely transparent to the user. Alternatively, ifthe response number does not coincide to the reference number, the callis denied. Accordingly, identification of the individual wirelesstelephone instruments TI is confirmed dynamically.

The additional verification operation involves a relatively minoraddition to the instruments TI1-n in the form of filters to identify thefrequency of each received burst signal and the capability to fetch thespecified number from the read-only memory 55. In that regard, frequencydecoding in telephonic systems is well known and described for examplein a U.S. Pat. No. 4,320,256 to Freeman, and entitled VerballyInteractive Telephone Interrogation System With Selectible VariableDecision Tree.

In view of the detailed descriptions set out above, the structure andoperation of the system to execute effective communication processeswill be apparent. However, a few additional comments may be appropriatein relation to applications for the system. The case of a young studentwas considered above and is here emphasized in the interests of securityand communication. Telephones are often unavailable when most needed andin the case of young people, the need may be extreme.

The same features that render an instrument in accordance here withsuitable for a young person also are present for numerous otherapplications. Specifically, reduced risk of loss, minor complications ofownership and considerable convenience for storage render suchinstruments practical for travelers, automotive use, employeeassignment, pager users, and a host of others.

To consider the procurement of an instrument, a purchaser might takedelivery with only minimal formality. Essentially, the instrument wouldbe given an identification number and an instrument code, both beingstored in the memory 55 and a related one of the cells 70A1-n. A prepaidamount would be paid and recorded in the assigned cell. Basic owner dataalso may be required and stored in the group of fields 206 (FIG. 5);otherwise, complications are minimal. The owner is not obligated forunlimited calls. Credit information or standing is unnecessary. Billingdetails are avoided. The complications are relatively few. Theconvenience is relatively good and the risk of loss is relatively small.

In view of the above explanations of exemplary systems and processes, itwill be apparent that other embodiments and processes may be employedutilizing the developments hereof. Accordingly, the appropriate scopehereof is deemed appropriately determined on the basis of the claims asset forth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for wireless telephonic communicationbetween telephone terminals through a public switched telephone network,comprising: a plurality of discardable, keyless, wireless telephoneinstruments including a transceiver, an instrument control unit, anearphone output and an input structure consisting of a microphone unitfor converting voice sound to representative audio signals; a centralstation that stores prepaid balances of the wireless telephoneinstruments; a wireless platform located at the central station tocommunicate with the wireless telephone instruments; a central controlunit located at the central station; a voice generator and a voicerecognition unit controlled to sequence vocal prompts provided from thevoice generator to the earphone output and number signals provided fromthe input structure of a discardable keyless, wireless telephoneinstrument to the voice recognition unit to accomplish a dial-up callednumber for one of the telephone terminals for use by a switchedtelephone network.
 2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the voicegenerator and voice recognition unit are located in the instrumentcontrol unit.
 3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the voicegenerator and voice recognition unit are located in the central controlunit.
 4. A wireless, keyless telephone instrument for prepaid anddiscardable use with an approving central station capable of bridging toa public switched telephone network for outgoing communication by thewireless telephone instrument with remote stations, said wirelesstelephone instrument consisting of: a housing defining an interiorspace; an earphone fixed to the housing to provide represented vocalsounds from audio signals; a microphone structure fixed to the housingto provide representative audio signals from vocal sounds; a wirelesstransceiver fixed to the housing and coupled to the earphone, and themicrophone to communication with the central station and through thepublic switched telephone network to select remote stations; a memoryfixed to the housing, storing instrument data on the wireless telephoneinstrument; an activation switch fixed to the housing; and a controlunit fixed to the housing and coupled whereby, activation of theactivation switch to place an outgoing call transfers instrument data onthe wireless telephone instrument from the memory to the wirelesstransceiver for transmission to the central station, and then to receiveprompting signals for the earphone to prompt for spoken numbers to themicrophone for a select remote station to attain a connection throughthe public switched telephone network to the select remote station.
 5. Awireless telephone instrument according to claim 4 wherein instrumentdata on the wireless telephone instrument includes an identificationnumber he instrument.
 6. A wireless telephone instrument according toclaim 4 wherein the wireless transceiver includes an antenna and theactivation switch is controlled by the position of the antenna.
 7. Awireless telephone instrument according to claim 4 wherein thetransceiver and the control unit are integrated as an electronicspackage powered battery pack.
 8. A wireless telephone instrumentaccording to claim 4 wherein the telephone instrument is configured as awriting instrument.
 9. A process for wireless telephonic communicationto accomplish an interface between wireless, keyless telephoneinstruments and a central station to establish communication with remotetelephone terminals through a public switched telephone network,comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of keyless and wireless,discardable instruments having prepaid usage values, capable oftransmitting an identification signal, on activation, to the centralstation indicating a desire to communicate with a desired remotetelephone terminal; receiving the identification signal at the centralstation from an active keyless and wireless, discardable telephoneinstrument to test for a proper call; upon a successful test for aproper call; actuating the wireless telephone instrument to prompt forspoken numbers indicating a telephone calling number for a desiredremote telephone terminal; transmitting signals representative of thespoken numbers from the active keyless and wireless, discardabletelephone instrument to the central station; applying the signalsrepresentative of the spoken numbers from the wireless telephoneinstrument as dial-up signal representations to the public switchedtelephone network to attain a connection with the desired remotetelephone terminal; and bridging the wireless telephone instrument tothe desired remote telephone terminal.
 10. A process according to claim9 wherein the test for a proper call includes testing the identificationsignal from the wireless telephone instrument.
 11. A process accordingto claim 9 wherein the test for a proper call includes testing theidentification signal from the wireless phone instrument to determinethe adequacy of a prepaid balance.
 12. A process according to claim 9including a further step of transmitting prepaid balance signals to thewireless telephone instrument for announcing a prepaid balance.
 13. Aprocess according to claim 9 including a further step of monitoring acall bridging the wireless telephone instrument to a desired remotestation and accounting for the call in the prepaid balance.
 14. Aprocess according to claim 10 including a further step of transmittingprepaid balance signals to the wireless telephone instrument forannouncing a prepaid balance.
 15. A wireless, keyless telephoneinstrument for prepaid and discardable use with an approving centralstation capable of bridging to a public switched telephone network foroutgoing call communication by the wireless, keyless telephoneinstrument with remote stations, said wireless, keyless telephoneinstrument comprising: a housing defining an interior space; an earphonefixed to the housing to provide represented vocal sounds from audiosignals; a microphone structure fixed to the housing to providerepresentative audio signals from vocal sounds; a wireless transceiverfixed to the housing and coupled to the earphone and the microphone,communicating with the central station and through the public switchedtelephone network, to select remote stations for outgoing calls; avoice-recognition structure to convert voice signals representative ofspoken numbers to dial-up signals; and a control unit for sequencing theoperation of the wireless transceiver to selectively transmit eitherrepresentative voice audio signals or numerical dial-up signals toattain communication with a remote station.
 16. A wireless, keylesstelephone instrument according to claim 15 wherein said control unitoperates with a manual switch to select transmission of eitherrepresentative voice audio signals or numerical dial-up signals.
 17. Awireless, keyless telephone instrument for prepaid and discardable usewith an approving central station capable of bridging to a publicswitched telephone network for communication by the wireless, keylesstelephone instrument with remote stations, said wireless, keylesstelephone instrument consisting of: a housing defining an interiorspace; an earphone fixed to the housing to provide represented vocalsounds from audio signals; a microphone structure fixed to the housingto provide representative audio signals from vocal sounds; a wirelesstransceiver fixed to the housing and coupled to the earphone and themicrophone, communicating with the central station and through thepublic switched telephone network, to select remote stations; avoice-recognition structure to convert voice signals representative ofspoken numbers to dial-up signals; and a control unit including a phaseregister to indicate a plurality of operating phases, including voiceconversation communication and numerical signal communication.
 18. Awireless telephone instrument according to claim 17 wherein saidoperating phases further include a standby phase for receiving calls.